10 March 2014

This isn't the first time I've shown this strange fruit before but here's another photo I took at the recent Fête du Citron.

It looks like an anomaly of nature, doesn't it but in fact this lemon,
known as the Hand of Buddha (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis), is one
of the oldest members of the citrus family. Although it smells strongly
of lemon, it has no juicy pulp hidden beneath its rind. Instead, the
Buddha’s Hand is grown commercially for its powerful zest. The aromatic
rind is used to flavor lemon liqueurs and specialty vodkas, and provides
aroma to lemon-scented cosmetics. Chinese and Japanese households use
it to perfume their rooms and personal items, such as clothing. It even
has a place in some religious ceremonies in buddhist temples. According
to tradition, Buddha prefers the "fingers" of the fruit to be in a
position where they resemble a closed rather than open hand, as closed
hands symbolize to Buddha the act of prayer.